Icon of Saint Benedict
written by +Sister Mary
Charles McGough
St. Benedict (480-550) is the patron saint of our order, and his Rule has greatly affected the course of Western Monasticism. The little we know of his life comes from the writings of Pope Gregory the Great.
Benedict was born in Nursia, Italy and later was educated in Rome. However, the moral decay of the time made him flee Rome and become a hermit. Yet disciples sought him out because of his holiness.
Eventually he agreed to establish monasteries, the most famous being Monte Cassino. It was there that he wrote his Rule, eventually died, and was buried beside the grave of his beloved sister, St. Scholastica.
The key elements of his Rule are seeking God, personal and community prayer, work, balance in life, stewardship, respect for persons, hospitality, peace, and community life. Because of the wisdom and relevance of this Rule over the ages, many lay people and organizations also find this Rule a helpful guide in their daily lives.
All are welcome to join the Sisters for the Eucharist commemorating the death of Saint Benedict at 5:00 p.m.